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The Rise of Marshall Tree Saw in Land Clearing
Marshall Tree Saw, developed by Marshall Machinery in the United States, emerged in the early 2000s as a specialized attachment for skid steers and compact track loaders. Designed to tackle dense tree lines, invasive species, and fence row cleanup, the saw quickly gained traction among landowners, contractors, and agricultural operators. Unlike traditional shears or mulchers, the Marshall Tree Saw uses a circular blade mounted on a reinforced moldboard, allowing for flush cuts at ground level and precise control over tree direction during felling.
By 2015, Marshall Machinery had sold over 2,000 units across North America, with strong adoption in the Midwest and Southern states where pasture reclamation and timber thinning are routine. Its reputation for durability and cutting power made it a preferred tool for clearing cedar, locust, and hardwoods up to 30 inches in diameter.
Design Features and Terminology
The Marshall Tree Saw is a hydraulically driven circular saw attachment, typically mounted on a skid steer via a quick-attach plate. It features a hardened steel blade, a moldboard with gripping teeth, and a hydraulic motor powered by the host machine’s auxiliary circuit.
Key terminology:
Operational Insights and Safety Considerations
One of the standout features of the Marshall Tree Saw is its ability to hold the tree steady during cutting. The moldboard teeth act like a vise, anchoring the trunk and allowing the operator to control the fall direction. This is especially useful in tight quarters or near structures.
However, the weight of the attachment introduces stability concerns. On downhill slopes, the front-heavy configuration can make the skid steer feel tipsy, especially when maneuvering with the blade elevated. Operators are advised to:
In Middle Tennessee, a demolition contractor purchased a Marshall Tree Saw to clear a 40-acre parcel overgrown with locust and hickory. Paired with a Cat 289C, the saw handled trees up to 30 inches in diameter with surprising ease. The operator noted that the moldboard teeth allowed him to “lean into” the tree, guiding its fall away from nearby fencing.
During one session, a large hickory snagged on a neighboring tree and began to pivot unpredictably. Thanks to the saw’s grip and the operator’s quick reaction, the tree was redirected safely. The contractor later added a tilt coupler to improve blade angle control on uneven terrain—a modification that became standard on his future machines.
Maintenance and Longevity
The saw’s blade is its most critical wear component. Made from heat-treated alloy steel, it can be sharpened manually or replaced entirely. Most users report blade life of 300–500 hours depending on soil contact and tree species.
Maintenance checklist:
Comparisons and Market Alternatives
Compared to tree shears, the Marshall Tree Saw offers faster cycle times and cleaner cuts. While shears crush and sever, the saw slices cleanly, reducing splintering and stump regrowth. Compared to mulchers, the saw is more energy-efficient and less prone to clogging, though it lacks the ability to grind stumps or brush.
Performance metrics:
As land management shifts toward precision forestry and invasive species control, attachments like the Marshall Tree Saw are gaining renewed interest. In 2024, a university in Arkansas began testing saw-based attachments for selective thinning in conservation areas, citing reduced soil disturbance and improved operator control.
Meanwhile, Marshall Machinery announced a prototype with dual blades and an articulating head, aimed at increasing productivity in dense stands. Early field trials showed a 30% reduction in cutting time and improved maneuverability around obstacles.
Conclusion
The Marshall Tree Saw stands out as a purpose-built solution for tree removal in agricultural, construction, and forestry settings. Its robust design, gripping moldboard, and flush-cut capability make it a versatile tool for professionals who need speed, control, and reliability. Whether clearing fence rows in Indiana or reclaiming pasture in Texas, the saw continues to prove that precision and power can coexist in a single attachment. With proper maintenance and thoughtful operation, it remains one of the most effective tree-cutting tools available for compact equipment.
Marshall Tree Saw, developed by Marshall Machinery in the United States, emerged in the early 2000s as a specialized attachment for skid steers and compact track loaders. Designed to tackle dense tree lines, invasive species, and fence row cleanup, the saw quickly gained traction among landowners, contractors, and agricultural operators. Unlike traditional shears or mulchers, the Marshall Tree Saw uses a circular blade mounted on a reinforced moldboard, allowing for flush cuts at ground level and precise control over tree direction during felling.
By 2015, Marshall Machinery had sold over 2,000 units across North America, with strong adoption in the Midwest and Southern states where pasture reclamation and timber thinning are routine. Its reputation for durability and cutting power made it a preferred tool for clearing cedar, locust, and hardwoods up to 30 inches in diameter.
Design Features and Terminology
The Marshall Tree Saw is a hydraulically driven circular saw attachment, typically mounted on a skid steer via a quick-attach plate. It features a hardened steel blade, a moldboard with gripping teeth, and a hydraulic motor powered by the host machine’s auxiliary circuit.
Key terminology:
- Moldboard Teeth: Serrated steel projections behind the blade that grip the tree trunk during cutting, preventing kickback or drift.
- Flush Cut: A horizontal cut made at or below ground level to minimize stump height.
- Hydraulic Flow Rate: The volume of hydraulic fluid delivered per minute, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), critical for blade speed and torque.
Operational Insights and Safety Considerations
One of the standout features of the Marshall Tree Saw is its ability to hold the tree steady during cutting. The moldboard teeth act like a vise, anchoring the trunk and allowing the operator to control the fall direction. This is especially useful in tight quarters or near structures.
However, the weight of the attachment introduces stability concerns. On downhill slopes, the front-heavy configuration can make the skid steer feel tipsy, especially when maneuvering with the blade elevated. Operators are advised to:
- Keep the blade low during transport.
- Avoid sudden turns on inclines.
- Use counterweights or rear-mounted attachments to balance the machine.
- Always wear a forestry-rated helmet and face shield.
- Maintain a 50-foot exclusion zone around the operating area.
- Inspect blade teeth weekly for cracks or dullness.
- Replace hydraulic hoses every 1,000 hours or annually.
In Middle Tennessee, a demolition contractor purchased a Marshall Tree Saw to clear a 40-acre parcel overgrown with locust and hickory. Paired with a Cat 289C, the saw handled trees up to 30 inches in diameter with surprising ease. The operator noted that the moldboard teeth allowed him to “lean into” the tree, guiding its fall away from nearby fencing.
During one session, a large hickory snagged on a neighboring tree and began to pivot unpredictably. Thanks to the saw’s grip and the operator’s quick reaction, the tree was redirected safely. The contractor later added a tilt coupler to improve blade angle control on uneven terrain—a modification that became standard on his future machines.
Maintenance and Longevity
The saw’s blade is its most critical wear component. Made from heat-treated alloy steel, it can be sharpened manually or replaced entirely. Most users report blade life of 300–500 hours depending on soil contact and tree species.
Maintenance checklist:
- Grease pivot points every 20 hours.
- Check hydraulic motor seals monthly.
- Inspect moldboard welds for fatigue cracks.
- Clean sap and debris from blade housing after each use.
Comparisons and Market Alternatives
Compared to tree shears, the Marshall Tree Saw offers faster cycle times and cleaner cuts. While shears crush and sever, the saw slices cleanly, reducing splintering and stump regrowth. Compared to mulchers, the saw is more energy-efficient and less prone to clogging, though it lacks the ability to grind stumps or brush.
Performance metrics:
- Average cut time for 12" tree: 15–20 seconds
- Blade RPM: 1,200–1,800 depending on flow rate
- Recommended machine weight: 9,000 lbs or more
- Typical resale value after 3 years: 60–70% of original price
As land management shifts toward precision forestry and invasive species control, attachments like the Marshall Tree Saw are gaining renewed interest. In 2024, a university in Arkansas began testing saw-based attachments for selective thinning in conservation areas, citing reduced soil disturbance and improved operator control.
Meanwhile, Marshall Machinery announced a prototype with dual blades and an articulating head, aimed at increasing productivity in dense stands. Early field trials showed a 30% reduction in cutting time and improved maneuverability around obstacles.
Conclusion
The Marshall Tree Saw stands out as a purpose-built solution for tree removal in agricultural, construction, and forestry settings. Its robust design, gripping moldboard, and flush-cut capability make it a versatile tool for professionals who need speed, control, and reliability. Whether clearing fence rows in Indiana or reclaiming pasture in Texas, the saw continues to prove that precision and power can coexist in a single attachment. With proper maintenance and thoughtful operation, it remains one of the most effective tree-cutting tools available for compact equipment.
